Fit comes before features

A concertina case has one job above all others: to hold your instrument so securely that nothing moves, rubs, or presses on the bellows. Everything else — looks, pockets, carrying straps — is secondary. A 30-button Anglo measures roughly 16 cm across the ends, and closed depth varies between about 14 and 18 cm depending on the bellows. A case that is even a centimetre too wide lets the instrument slide, and sliding means the ends knock against the lining and the bellows take the strain. Before you spend anything, measure your instrument properly: across the ends, across the depth with the bellows fully closed, and diagonally to catch any corner hardware that sticks out.

If you own two instruments of different sizes, resist the temptation to buy one case that holds either. Buy one that fits the instrument you actually play out with, and keep the other safely at home in something basic.

Hard cases, soft cases, and the middle ground

Traditional fitted cases — the wooden or fibreboard boxes with a moulded interior — remain excellent for storage and car travel. They hold their shape, resist crushing, and often come with the instrument when you buy second-hand. Their weakness is weight and bulk, and the hinges and catches on older boxes eventually loosen.

Modern options break down into three practical categories:

• Moulded hard cases with foam or velvet interiors. Best protection, especially for air travel or a crowded session pub. Heavier, and the good ones are not cheap.
• Padded soft cases and gig bags with a rigid base. Light, easy to sling over a shoulder, and adequate for a walk to the session. Check that the padding is at least 20 mm around the ends, not just the top and bottom.
• Hybrid cases with a semi-rigid shell and soft exterior. A sensible compromise for most players who travel by car, train, and foot rather than by plane.

Whatever you choose, look for a case where the instrument is held by the ends or the frame, never by the bellows alone. A loose case that lets the bellows support the weight will shorten their life considerably.

Measuring and testing before you commit

Take your concertina with you when trying a case if at all possible. If you are buying at a distance, ask for internal dimensions rather than external ones, and check the depth with the lid closed. Then test it: place the instrument inside, close the case, and turn it upside down gently. It should not shift. There should be no pressure on the straps or the buttons.

Weight matters more than most players expect. A case that adds a kilogram to a walk of a mile is noticeable by the end of it. Aim for something that feels balanced when carried by a shoulder strap, with the instrument sitting low and close to your hip rather than swinging behind you.

Thumb straps, hand straps, and wrist support

Anglo players rely on thumb straps and hand straps working together. Original straps stiffen and stretch with age, and worn leather can fail without warning at the worst possible moment. Replacements are inexpensive and worth carrying as spares.

When choosing new straps, look for supple leather that softens rather than cracks. Thumb straps should sit over the joint of the thumb, not the tip, and hand straps should be adjusted so your fingers reach the buttons without you having to grip. If you find yourself clamping the instrument, the straps are too tight or too loose — both cause fatigue in a long session. Some players add a wrist strap or a neck strap for extra security when standing; for English concertina players, thumb straps and little finger rests do the equivalent work, and the same rules of adjustment apply.

Cleaning cloths and a modest care kit

You need very little to keep a concertina clean, and over-cleaning causes more harm than neglect. A soft microfibre cloth, a second cloth kept slightly damp for wiping down the ends after a session, and a small brush for dust in the fretwork will cover almost everything.

• Microfibre cloths — two or three, washed regularly and used dry for metal ends and buttons.
• A soft-bristled brush, such as a clean paintbrush, for bellows folds and fretwork.
• A silver-polishing cloth for nickel or brass ends, used sparingly and never on the bellows.
• A small screwdriver that fits the end bolts exactly, kept in the case but never used to overtighten.

Avoid silicone polishes, furniture sprays, and anything that leaves residue. Never apply oil to the bellows, and do not use water near the reeds. If the instrument has been in a smoky pub, air it overnight before closing the case.

Travelling light without cutting corners

The last thing to consider is what lives permanently in the case. A small pouch holding spare straps, a reed valve or two if you are confident fitting them, a cleaning cloth, and a desiccant sachet is a sensible weight. Keep it to the essentials — every extra item adds bulk and rattles around near your instrument.

Temperature and humidity do more damage than any but the worst knocks. Avoid leaving a concertina in a hot car, a cold boot, or a damp shed, and let the case and instrument come back to room temperature slowly before playing. A case that fits well, a spare set of straps, and one good cloth will carry you comfortably through years of sessions, festivals, and workshops. Buy for the journey you actually make, and your concertina will repay you with decades of music.